Water Quality and the Nitrogen Cycle

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a reason why water quality is important for fish?

• Affects health of fish

• Increases chance of disease

• Increases mortality rate

• Improves fish color instantly

Open Ended

Explain why it is important to monitor multiple parameters such as temperature, pH, and ammonia levels in an aquarium.

Fill in the Blank

Coldwater fish are generally kept in the temperature range of ___°C.

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Fill in the Blank

A pH reading of ___ is considered neutral for aquarium water.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are ways to measure water parameters in an aquarium?

• Thermometer

• Water test kits

• Electronic probes

• Visual inspection

Multiple Choice

Which minerals are primarily responsible for water hardness in aquariums?

• Calcium, magnesium, and carbonate

• Sodium and potassium

• Iron and copper

• Chlorine and fluoride

Multiple Select

Which of the following are possible consequences of incorrect salinity in a saltwater aquarium?

• Physiological stress in fish

• Lowered immune function

• Increased plant growth

• Improved fish coloration

Open Ended

How do you think water quality might be connected to the nitrogen cycle?

Open Ended

Describe how plants contribute to the nitrogen cycle in an aquarium.

Multiple Choice

What is the main role of Nitrosomonas bacteria in the nitrogen cycle of an aquarium?

• Convert ammonia to nitrite

• Convert nitrite to nitrate

• Remove carbon dioxide

• Produce oxygen

Multiple Choice

What is the correct order of nitrogen compounds as bacteria break down waste in an aquarium?

• Ammonia → Nitrite → Nitrate

• Nitrate → Nitrite → Ammonia

• Nitrite → Ammonia → Nitrate

• Nitrate → Ammonia → Nitrite

Multiple Select

Which of the following are causes of ammonia buildup in an aquarium?

• Decomposition of fish waste

• Decaying food

• Dead fish

• Photosynthesis

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT an effect of ammonia on fish health?

• Improved oxygen transport in blood

• Destruction of mucous membranes

• Damage to gill membranes

• Reduced hatch and growth rates

Open Ended

Describe two visible signs that a fish in an aquarium might be suffering from ammonia poisoning.

Multiple Choice

What role do nitrifying bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle of an aquarium?

• They convert ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate

• They produce ammonia from nitrate

• They remove oxygen from water

• They increase the toxicity of aquarium water

Multiple Select

Which of the following are effects of nitrite on fish health?

• Gasping and rapid gill movements

• Brown blood disease

• Improved immune system

• Death

Fill in the Blank

Nitrite is converted to nitrate by the bacteria ___ in the biological filter.

Open Ended

Compare the toxicity and effects of nitrate (NO3) and nitrite (NO2) on fish health.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are recommended practices to reduce risks in a new aquarium?

• Add many fish at once and feed heavily

• Test water regularly and perform water changes

• Obtain gravel or filter media from a mature tank

• Ignore ammonia and nitrite levels